Albert Ayler - Spirits (1964) (320)

"'Trane was the Father...Pharoah was the son...I am the Holy Ghost."

Part 3 of 3. Now we finally hear from the Holy Ghost, and how appropriate with this "Spirits" recording. I don't have too much information on this one, and to be honest this one doesn't grip me as much as the other two have. I prefer the second half of Spirits: contrast the burning drums and demented horn playing on "Holy, Holy" with the last piece, "Saints", which to me is just plain spooky.

Tracklist:

1. Spirits
2. Witches And Devils
3. Holy, Holy
4. Saints

Personnel:

Albert Ayler, tenor saxophone
Norman Howard, trumpet
Henry Grimes (1,2,4) & Earle Henderson (1,3), basses
Sonny Murray, drums

All selections composed by Albert Ayler and recorded in New York City, Feb. 24, 1964

Notes by: Ole Vestergaard Jensen
Producers: Jürgen Frigaard & Robert Altshuler
Recording: Phil Iehle, Atlantic Recording Corp.
Cover design: Nina Aae

Breathless 52006

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Albert Ayler - Live In Greenwich Village: The Complete Impulse Recordings (1965) (320)

In my opinion, this is the most solid example of what free jazz can and should be. Albert Ayler stretches the sound capabilities of the tenor saxophone, making just about every noise imaginable. Through his shrill wailing you can hear a wide influence of musical traditions, from demented marches to despairing funeral dirges and everything in between. The Brothers Ayler work together in creating a primitive interpretation of the melodies, and compliment each other well when they harmonize. When you think it sounds like a child practicing, Albert will throw in an incredible line that demonstrates his musical sophistication. Albert and Don are matched by an equally out-there string section, who battle their instruments with the same tenacity as the Aylers. And the drumming...I need to find more albums with Beaver Harris on them. Just when you think you know what jazz is, Albert Ayler defies every conception of the term. His vast influence on John Coltrane can be heard on Trane's Impulse! recordings (to be posted soon...)

Albert Ayler, tenor saxophone
Don Ayler, trumpet
Michel Sampson, violin
Bill Folwell & Henry Grimes, basses
Beaver Harris, drums

Recorded at The Village Vanguard,
New York City on December 18, 1966.

Original sessions produced by Bob Thiele
Recording engineers: Rudy Van Gelder (Disc one, #1), George Klabin (all others)

Label: Impulse!
IMPD2-273, IMP 22732

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Albert Ayler Trio - Spiritual Unity (1964) (320)

Tracklist:

1. Ghosts: First Variation
2. The Wizard
3. Spirits
4. Ghosts: Second Variation

Personnel:

Albert Ayler, saxophone
Gary Peacock, bass
Sunny Murray, percussion

Recorded in New York City on July 10, 1964

ESP-Disk'
ESP 1002

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